To celebrate the Centenary of Armistice in 2018, the Tasmanian community is coming together to remember those who have been part of international conflicts, especially World War I, and the legacy of these events. With two special concerts (1:30 pm matinée and 7:30 pm evening performances in Launceston, Tasmania on Saturday, November 3 in the majestic Albert Hall, artists from across Tasmania as well as a few special guests from around the world will gather to perform at the Centenary of Armistice Remembrance Concert. The event will be an enjoyable event for young and old, and we welcome people from across the world to join with us in this special event.

The Centenary of Armistice Remembrance Concert 2018
Albert Hall, Launceston, Tasmania | Saturday November 3 2018Presented under the guidance of RSL Tasmania with the support of Best Western Plus Launceston, Bunnings Warehouse, the City of Launceston and the Spirit of Tasmania and many more.
TWO SHOWS ONLY – 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

With Support From

Location

Launceston’s Albert Hall

The Albert Hall was built by J.T Farmils at a cost of 14,000 pounds in 1891 to house the Tasmanian Industrial Exhibition of 1891-92. The exhibition ran for four months and attracted over 260,000 people. The exhibition itself was designed to ease the social misery caused by the depression of the 1880’s. The Albert Hall is one of Launceston’s most significant heritage buildings due to its high degree of heritage value that is attributed to the Classical Victorian style of monumental public architecture. The Hall covers an area of 14,000 square feet and was recognised at the time as the worlds 11th largest building.

The History of the Armistice

At 5am on 11 November 1918, three German government representatives accepted the Armistice terms presented to them by an allied commander, General Foch of the French Army. The demands of the Armistice included the withdrawal of German forces to the east bank of the Rhine within 30 days; immediate cessation of warfare; and surrender of the German fleet and all heavy guns with no further negotiations until the signing of the peace treaty.

The armistice became effective at 11am the same day, and as the guns fell silent on the Western Front in France and Belgium, four years of hostilities ended.

The cease-fire was made permanent the following year when members of the Commonwealth and the League of Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles. People across the world celebrated the war’s end – celebrations tempered by thoughts of the enormous suffering and loss of life resulting from the War.

World War I began in 1914 and lasted for four years. More than 416 000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I. Of these, 324 000 served overseas. More than 60 000 Australians were killed, including 45 000 who died on the Western Front in France and Belgium and more than 8 000 who died on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. As well as Australian soldiers, many nurses in the Australian Army Nursing Service served on the Western Front. These nurses worked in overcrowded hospitals for up to 16 hours a day, looking after soldiers with shocking injuries and burns. Those who worked in hospitals close to the fighting were also in danger of being shelled by the enemy.

In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in World War I. The day continues to be commemorated in Allied countries.
After World War II the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom’s proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

In October 1997 the then Governor-General issued a Proclamation declaring 11 November as Remembrance Day – a day to remember the sacrifice of those who have died for Australia in wars and conflicts.

The Proclamation reinforced the importance of Remembrance Day and encouraged all Australians to renew their observance of the event.

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you! While there is a lot of information across the website about the Centenary of Armistice Concert as well as Launceston, Tasmania, we’d love to hear from you if you have any further questions. You can ask us by using the form on this page, or else;